He has a second opportunity as a head coach in the Southeastern Conference, and Hugh Freeze looks to take advantage of it.
After five seasons (2012-16) at the University of Mississippi, Freeze spent his last four years at Liberty (2019-22). Auburn University hired him on Nov. 29, 2022. The Tigers saw his success in recruiting, winning football games, and defeating Nick Saban-coached Alabama teams twice. In his return to the SEC, Freeze knows the challenge he faces from Auburn fans.
RELATED: Hugh Freeze wants to ‘beat the crap’ out of Nick Saban and Alabama in the Iron Bowl
He has to play two gladiators in his conference, Alabama and Georgia, but he wants the challenge.
On Tuesday, he addressed reporters at SEC Media Days about his excitement to be a part of the Iron Bowl.
“The Iron Bowl is what it is, and I don’t have to be educated on that,” Freeze said. “I know what this means to the people who support our program. They [Alabama] are currently the gold standard and that is what we want to be. I have great respect for Nick Saban, and he is a good friend.”
He knows he does not have the talent to compete with Alabama right now, but Freeze is looking to grab marquee athletes in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 recruiting classes for the Tigers. The state of Alabama will be a recruiting hotbed for 2024 and 2025.
RELATED: Hugh Freeze said he hopes Nick Saban is ‘nervous’ about the Iron Bowl now
Freeze and Auburn will host the Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
